The Association Of The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fosters Growth In The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem For #GEW2020!

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation’s Association has announced an exciting programme of events and activities for entrepreneurs and innovators looking to take part in the Global Entrepreneurship Week 2020 (#GEW2020).  Registration is open for all South Africans who will join over 80 000 budding innovators from 180 countries across the globe in celebration of the power of entrepreneurship to shape our world for the better. These events will take place between 16 and 20 November 2020, with  activities highlighting four distinct themes: Education, Ecosystems, Inclusion and Policy.

With its singular focus on supporting the development of ethical, high-impact entrepreneurs, the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation has brought more than 20 000 young South Africans into its thriving entrepreneurial community over the past 15 years. This year, the Association of Allan Gray Fellows will launch a fresh, tailor-made series of digitally broadcast events to engage and connect SA entrepreneurs to the global GEW celebrations. Furthermore, the Foundation will contribute to startup policy conversations by facilitating a debate on whether there is a need for a Startup Act for South Africa. Association Director, Jalal Ghiassi-Razavi says, “We have a strong belief that entrepreneurially-minded individuals with ethical values and strong leadership skills hold the promise of change and can improve the socio-economic landscape of South Africa.

This year, we are delighted to drive the inspiring week-long GEW activities and invite the country’s young innovators and imaginers to be a part of this global initiative. The online activities and events will be focused on the GEW themes of Education and Ecosystems, offering the ecosystem and Allan Gray Fellows the tools, resources and remarkable experiences of entrepreneurship education that help to develop entrepreneurial thinking in their communities.”

The line-up of events include:

• Business and investor readiness masterclass sessions designed to propel the growth of startups. The series of events kick off with a growth planning masterclass facilitated by Octavius Phukubye, the inspiring Founder of Brilianaire Consulting, and an experienced entrepreneurship development and early stage technology venture investment advisor.

• The Foundation also partnered with I’m In Accelerator to host an exclusive webinar with Arlan Hamilton, the Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital, a venture capital firm dedicated to minimizing funding disparities in tech by investing in high-potential under-represented founders in the US and globally.

• The highlight of the #GEW2020 #AGOFVentures events will be a showcase of the business ventures run by Fellows in the Association, who were participants in the Entrepreneurial Academy and Ideate, Validate & Create (IVC) programmes. The businesses will be showcased to potential investors and customers, with the objective of introducing them to further opportunities for collaboration and support.

“The basic business requirements of compliance, sound financial planning and management, as well as proper business coaching are some of the elements that could make or break a startup in its early stages. Through our carefully planned programme and partnerships with #SAGE4SmallBiz, I’m In Accelerator, Briliannaire Consulting and investors in our programme, we hope to in a small way, enable not only our Fellows and beneficiaries of the Foundation but all early stage startups to start with the right knowledge, tools, and guidance to ensure that they are on a path to success,” says Director of the Association of Allan Gray Fellows, Jalal Ghiassi-Razavi.

Registrations are open for the weeklong #GEW2020 #AGOFVentures events; individuals are invited to go online now and start registering for the upcoming #GEW2020 events. Visit these links below to register.

www.hopin.to/events/agof-global-entrepreneurship-week-2020-part-1

www.hopin.to/events/agof-global-entrepreneurship-week-2020-part-2